Delivery tools for medical implants and methods of using the same

A kit, comprising:

• a filament having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the filament being coupled to a needle;
• an energy delivery device, the energy delivery device having a handle, a first arm, and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm, the energy delivery device being configured to deliver energy to a portion of the filament the energy delivery device includes an extension member that extends from the first arm of the energy delivery device to the second arm of the energy delivery device, the extension member extending to a location such that a distal end of the first arm is disposed between the handle and a portion of the extension member, the first arm, the second arm, and the extension member collectively defining an opening configured to receive the portion of the filament, the energy delivery device including an actuation member disposed on a shaft of the energy delivery device, the shaft of the energy delivery device defining a lumen, the first arm and the second arm being disposed outside of the lumen defined by the shaft, the energy delivery device having a plunger operatively coupled to the first arm and to the second arm and configured to pivot the first arm with respect to the second arm;
• and
• an implant configured to be placed within a body of a patient.

A method of placing an implant within a body of a patient, comprising:

• inserting the implant into the body of the patient such that the implant is disposed adjacent bodily tissue;
• passing a filament through the implant and through a portion of the bodily tissue;
• inserting an energy delivery device into the body of the patient such that a first portion of the filament is disposed within an opening defined by a first arm of the energy delivery device, a second arm of the energy delivery device which is pivotally coupled to the first arm, and an extension member, the extension member extending to a location such that a distal end of the first arm is disposed between a handle portion and a portion of the extension member, the energy delivery device including an actuation member disposed on a shaft of the energy delivery device, the shaft of the energy delivery device defining a lumen, the first arm and the second arm being disposed outside of the lumen defined by the shaft, the energy delivery device having a plunger operatively coupled to the first arm and to the second arm and configured to pivot the first arm with respect to the second arm;
• and
• actuating the actuation member to apply energy to the first portion of the filament to fuse the first portion of the filament to a second portion of the filament.